At this juncture we report on the long-term test which has been running on Ottenheim's Danube ferry since 08/09/2012 (see left).

After a total of 39,000 hours or 4 years and 165 days in permanent contact with water, the test panel was subjected to further examination in July 2017. After cleaning the heavily contaminated panel (Fig. 1) it was discernible that the surfaces are still in perfect condition but that the edge on the opposite side to the current had suffered a little: the coating is missing at four locations at approximately 2x3mm, 5mm und 8mm (see Fig. 2). On the side facing the current the covering varnish is missing on both edges and on three pinhead-sized spots (Fig. 3).

The test was interrupted after completion of this examination as flooding was forecast for the Danube. However, the experiment will be continued as soon as the Danube has returned to its normal level. We will keep you informed of further inspection results.